Rotary pressing machine and control



June 7, 1960 o. H. LANGEN 2,939,228

ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE AND CONTROL Filed March 16, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheetl I H 2 INVENTOR.

OLE H- LRN GEN June 7, 1960 O. H. LANGEN ROTARY PRESSING MACHINE ANDCONTROL Filed March 16, 1956 [ll/l I11] 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 lll/ Ill/JINVENTOR. OLE H- LRN$EN June 7, 1960 o. H. LANGEN ROTARY PRESSINGMACHINE AND CONTROL Filed March 16, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. OLEH- LHNGEN Paw 4&

ERGTARY PRESSENG MACHTNE AND CONTROL Gie H. Langen, Minneapolis,P/HIIIL, assignor to The Unipress Company, Incorporated, Minneapolis,Martin, a corporation of Minnesota Filed Mar. 16, 1956, Ser. No. 572,019

15 Claims. (Cl. 38-5) This invention relates to rotary pressing machinesof the type having a plurality of individual presses mounted on aplatform of low elevation which is arranged to rotate on a verticalaxis. Such rotary pressing machines are exemplified in Patent No.2,669,044 and various other patents of the prior art.

All modern pressing machines of this type, as exemplified by theaforesaid patent and other patents of the prior art utilize individualpresses having a cooperative stationary buck and movable presser head,the latter being normally biased to open position and connected to themotor so as to be moved toward and against the buck for cooperatingpressing action when the motor is energized. The motors of such pressesare usually of the fluid operated type, or more specifically,air-cylinders operated by compressed air. In rotary presses the valvingor the air to the individual presses is usually accomplished by a mastervalve on each press which, in one position introduces air to the motorsof the press to close it, and in another position, exhausts the air fromthe motors and permits the press to open. In such rotary pressingmachine the operation of the master valve is accomplished eitherdirectly or indirectly by cams as the rotary turntable revolves, theobjective being to close each of the presses at a certain point alongthe rotary path alo'ng which the presses are carried and then, atanother point to open each press. The several available modes ofaccomplishing these objectives have not always been satisfactoryespecially in respect to cost of manufacture and operation of thedevices.

it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved rotarypressing machine having an improved mode of press control.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedform or" control wherein added factors of safety are provided.

it is another object of the invention to provide a photo electriccontrol for a rotary press.

it is an additional object of the invention to provide a combined photoelectric and timer controls in a rotary pressing machine.

Other and further objects of the invention are those inherent in theinvention herein illustrated, described and claimed.

The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which:

Figure l is a plan view of a rotary press which is illustrative of theinvention;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view partly schematic of the pressingmachine of Figure 1, this view being taken along the line and in thedirection of arrows 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is schematically a view, illustrating the presses and theirassociated controls;

Figures 4 and 5 are fragmentary views illustrating forms of theinvention involving modifications of certain elements.

Throughout the drawings the same numerals refer to the correspondingparts.

nited States Patent 0 ice In eneral it may be stated that rotarypressing machines of the type of which the present invention is animprovement consist of a rotary turntable of low elevation that isadapted to be placed on the floor and uponwhich there are mounted aplurality of individual pressing machines. The individual presses may beof the laundry or garment pressing type and may have the same ordiiferent types of bucks and heads for pressing the same or differentportions of garments or laundry items. While rotary pressing machines ofthis type may be built as a unitary structure, for ease of manufactureand reduction in cost, it has been found that ordinary individual airdriven, steam heated, pressing machines of a design that are normallymounted directly on a floor, may be used to advantage, such individualpressing machine being mounted in regularly spaced relationship aroundthe periphery of the rotary turntable of low elevation. In suchmechanical organization the presses are thus rotated one at a time infront of an operator station. At or slightly ahead of the operatorstation, each press is automatically controlled by its rotary movementso as to actuate the press to open-press position and the operator may,Without moving from her position, remove the pressed garment and lay anunpressed garment on the buck. Usually the rotation of the pressingmachine rotary platform is continuous (but it may beoperator-controlled), the removal of the pressed garment and replacementof the unpressed garments on the bucks of the several presses beingedected while each press moved at its regular pace in succession throughthe operator station. Then as each press of the pressing machineprogresses in succession along its rotary path of motion it reaches aposition adjacent to but slightly beyond the operator station whereprovision is made for automatically actuating controls of each press tocause the presser head to move against the buck into pressingrelationship therewith.

It is in this class of pressing machines that the invention hereinafterdescribed constitutes improvements. For purposes of illustration, butnot by way of limitation there is herein illustrated a rotary pressingmachine resembling that shown in the Patent 2,669,044.

Referring to the drawings, particularly Figures 1 and 2, the pressingmachine includes a central floor plate 10 which is adapted to be placedor bolted upon the floor 11 on which the pressing machine is installed.Upon the plate 10 which serves as a central stationary pivot there aremounted a suitable bearing 18 which is mounted in the center hub 16 ofthe circular rotary frame plate 17. The bearing 18 serves as a thrustbearing and pivot hearing so as to receive the weight load at the centerof the rotary frame plate 17 and provide a center of rotation.

The plate 17 is preferably of circular shape and near its periphery itis reinforced by ring channels 20 and 21 which are positioned so thattheir flanges are oppositely directed and are of such a diameter as toleave a space between the webs of the flanges. Within this space aremounted a plurality of wheels 22. Greatest rigidity is provided *byplacing two or more of the wheels 22 under each of the presses that aremounted upon the rotary frame plate '17 so as to steady the plate 17against vibration due to the opening and closing of the presses. Plate17 may, if desired, have radial stiifening webs not illustrated in orderto increase its rigidity. The wheels 22 may have rubber tires, ifdesired, and the wheels 22 may run directly upon the floor 11 where thefloor has sufficient evenness. Where the installation is made on a roughor uneven floor '11, it is preferable to place a circular sheet metaltrack 24 on the floor along the path where the wheels 22 track. The axisof each of the wheels 22 is radial in respect to the central pivot axis.

For rotating the circular frame plate 17 and all elements caniedthereon, there is provided a belt 25 which may be a chain belt, as shownin Figure l, which passes over a pulley 26 that is mounted on radial arm27, the arm being pivoted at 28 to the floor. An adjustment screwi30mounted in the stationary "bracket 31, is positioned so as to bearagainst the arm 27' so as to move it'arcuat'c'ly and thus permittightening or loosening of the belt25; [The belt125 also runs over thedriven pun ley 3 2. The pulley 32 rotates at slow speed and ispreferably driven by an electric motor 34 through a gear box. Itis'p'referable to use a motor 34 which is capable of speed variations,such as a wound-rotor repulsion in- 1 duction motor, a shunt type directcurrent motor orthe like. It is perfectly feasible to utilize an airdriven motor 34 forconstant or variable speed application where such isdesired. .The On-Oil and-speed controls for motor 34'a're appropriatelyselected 'for controlling speed and ope'rationof the motor} 34andmay' bemounted on a panel 46 which forms a vertical fence at the left ofoperator station 37, V

Heating of the presses is accomplished via steam line 4?,lc'ondensatewater' being returned via line 50. Air under pre'ssure is delivered tothe presses via line 48. Each of these lines is concentric'with the ofrotation ofthe turntable 17 and is provided with a rotary gland .as'a-t48A, 49A and 50A, as is well known.

' U on the rotary base 17 there are mounted a plurality of pressingmachines generally designated A, B, C and D in Figures 1 and 2. Anysuitable number of pressing machines greater than one may be utilized,depending upon thesize and capacity of the unit and the type ofwork'desired to be done by means'of the installation. Four pressingmachines are shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention andare spaced evenly around the-rotary frame plate 17. The rotation of theframe plate '17 is in the direction of the arrow 35 and rotation of thedrive pulley 32 is shown by the arrow 36. An operator station indicatedby the hoofpad 37 extends through approximately one-quarter ofthecircular path of motion of the floor plate 17 and presses A-D mountedthereon. Adjacent the terminating edge 38 of the operator station, thereis provided a protective guard- 40 which likewise extends throughapproximately onequarter'of the path of rotation of the floor plate 17and the presses mounted thereon. The guard -40 roughly defines theposition of a press fat'the'closing station, it

, being understood that the guard extends somewhat ahead there is aportion of the path of motion during which the pressing part of thecycle takes place. During this portion of the cycle the pressing head isclosed down upon the buck and is held down (closed) so long as line airpressure is maintained on the air motor of the press.

The opening station is between the position in which press B is showninFigure 1, which isstill closed, and the leading edge 41 of theoperator station. At the opening' station each press is opened bydiscontinuing the applieation of line air-pressure and exhausting theairmotor of the press, whereupon the press will then be opened by itssprings (not illustrated), as is well known.

Adjacent the leading edge of the guard 40 there is a control panelgenerallydesignated 46, which serves as a fence, and on which the On-Offcontrols of motor 34 and speed controls therefor, and Emergency controlsare located convenient to the operator.

The presses A-D (or 'anynumber which are mounted upon the'rotary floorplate 17), may be of any desired "individually power driven presses.Present day' presses are usually air driven andin theembodimen-t of thevention herein illustrated, the presses A-D are of the type shown inPatent Re. 22,041, although it is to beunderstood that any suitable oneor two cylinder air press, or other power driven press may be utilized.Thus, for example, the presses A-D can be single cylinder air drivenpresses of which the type shown in Patent 2,265,- 449 is exemplary, orthey can be multiple air cylinder presses. Y

In the exemplified showing of the invention illustrated in Figure 2,each of the pressing machines includes a frame 52 which is suitablyattached to the circular revolving frame plate 17; In the presses shown,each has a press frame and uponftheframe 52 is mounted a stationary buck54 and a presser arm 55 which is pivoted at 56. The presser arm carriesa presser head 57 which is movable from an open position (as shown forpress A at the left in Figure 2), to the closed position (as shown forpress D atthe right Figure 2). The movement of the press from open toclosed position and from closed to open position is accomplished bymeans of air or other fluidmotors suitably controlled. as hereindescribed.

Thecornpressed air, steam, and condensatereturn lines are illustratedrespectively at 48, 49 and 50 and terdividual press,'located near the.front of the pressing machine, on the work tablebeneath the buck.vThese twohandcontrols, through the. provision of a pneumatic linkage,operat'ea two position master. valve, which in one position admits airunder'pressure to the air-motor, to close the press and'in anotherposition shuts oft the supply of compressed air and exhaust theair-motor, with the result that the press opens. Hence by operating suchmaster valve control of the press is achieved.

j Referring to Figure 3, 17 illustrates the turntable and it revolves inthe direction of arrow 35 around centerline C-L. Each press facesoutwardly on the turntable as illustrated. The portions of the apparatusbelow and outside the turntable 17 are stationary. I

The stationary equipment serves allpresses. 'Each press includes a frame52 of which only portions are illustrated. Buck 54 is mounted on theframe above shield 74. A presser arm 55, pivoted at 56 on frame.

52 is movable from the Open position shown for press 0, to a Closedposition shown for press C. The press is normally biased to the Openposition by springs (not shown). For moving the presser arm 55 andhead'57 against the bucks 54, there is provided an air-motor, hereillustrated as having two cylinder-piston arrangements 53 and 61, bothpivoted to frame 52. Cylinder 58 is the closing cylinder and actsdirectly upon presser arm 55 whereas cylinder 61 is the squeezingcylinder and acts through linkage 64, 65, 66, 68 to apply great force tothe presser arm for generating great ironing pressure.

' Both cylinders 58 and 61 operate .to close the press when air'underpressureis introduced into line which is connected to bothcylinders. When air in line 80 is exhausted, the press moves to Openposition (shown in Figure 3). .In commercial presses," time or positioncontrol valves and mechanisms-a quick exhaust valve and otherrefinements may'be incorporated in the press controls for'1ine80. Butfor clarity, these are omitted here. 'For'energizin'g (introducing airinto) and de-energizing (exhausting the air from) the press air motor58-61, to thus close and open thepr'ess, each such press is equippedwith a two position, rotary (oscillatable) valve 100. This valve has oneport 101 connected toline 80; an exhaust port 102, usually connected toa muffier; and a compressed air supply line port 103. The valve has acasing104 and a rotor inside carrying channel 105, an operating shaft115 and lever 116. These are all shown schematically. When the lever 116(and hence rotor channel 105) are in the full line position shown forpress 0 in Figure 3, channel 105 connects port 101 (and line 80) toexhaust 102 and hence the press moves to open position. When the valve100 is moved to the position shown for press C in Figure 3, channel 105connects air supply line 103 to port 101 and line 80, and the pressmoves to closed position. Valve 100 stays in either position in which itis placed.

For achieving such two position movement of valve 100 the following isprovided: To opposite ends of lever 116 there are pivotally suspendedpendant rods 118 and 119, the lower ends of these being loosely guidedby holes in turntable 17 (or frame 52). These rods are of a length suchthat when either is raised as by movement of the valve 100 to one or theother of its operating positions, the lower end of the rod so elevatedwill be about flush with the underside of turntable 17 or at least highenough so as to be clear. Since both rods are attached to the lever 116,movement of one rod upward will push the other downward. Now, at thatpart of the circular path of travel of the turntable whereat the presscloses, namely the closing station as shown for press 0, behind guardfence 40-46 (see Figure 1) there is situated a small solenoid-operatedactuator generally designated 130. This is composed of a smallstationary pivot mounting 131 on which a lever 132 is pivoted, and it isweighted or spring biased so as normally to permit the broad bladed end133 to descend. A solenoid core 134 is pivotally attached at 136 to theopposite end of lever 132 and when coil 135 is energized the lever 132and paddle end 133 are swung up to the dotted position. The actuatorassembly 130 is positioned so that paddle end 133 is beneath the end ofrod 118 at the time coil 135 is energized and hence rod 113 is pushedupward, consequently to rotate valve 100 to its position shown in dottedlines (for press 0) with consequent actuation of the press to closedposition. This also brings the lower end of rod 119 down to its dottedposition and such end will be ready to be engaged later on for openingthe press.

At the opening station, a similar actuator 140, which is, in allrespects identical to unit 130, is so located that paddle 143 willstrike the lower end of rod 119 when the latter arrives in place aboveactuator 143 and the solenoid coil 145 is energized.

The timing of energization of the coil 145 at the opening station isprimarily by virtue of a cam located on each press (or on the turntable17, wherever convenient), in cooperation with a normally open electricswitch operated thereby. At the opening station switch 156 has oneterminal connected to line L1 and its other terminal connected by line152 to one terminal of coil 145, the other terminal of the coil beingconnected to line L2. When cam 150 of the still closed press runs ontothe actuator of switch 156 at the opening station, switch 156, which isnormally open, closes to complete the circuit from line L1, closedswitch 156, coil 145 to line L2, and coil 145 is energized. The cam andswitch locations (or the position of unit 140 in respect to the rod 119)are adjusted so that such energization will occur as the turntable 17brings the closed press C to the opening station and hence its rod 119will be fairly over paddle 143 of unit 140. Hence as energization ofcoil 145 occurs, paddle 143 rises, pushes rod 119 up to rotate valve100, and the press 0 ens. As the turntable carries the press along,switch 156 opens and paddle 143 descends, ready for the next operation.

Now, the press closure operation at the closing station represented bypress 0 is similar, at least, to the following extent. Here also powerat line L1 connects at junction 153 to manual switch 154, which whenclosed puts line L1 potential on junction 155 which is connected to oneterminal of manually operated switch 170, and then on to one terminal ofswitch 151 which closes due to action of cam 150 at the closing station.It may be noted that switch 170 is connected to shunt switch 151, and isfor a special mode of operation to be described. Switches 154 and 170may be interlocked mechanically so that when one opens, the othercloses, but I prefer that they should be independent. In one mode ofoperation switch 170 is left open. The circuit continues via line 157,through coil 135, to line L2. Unit is aligned so as to be beneath rod118 when cam closes switch 151. Hence, with switch 154 closed, eachpress through its cam 150 closes switch 151 to actuate unit 130 toactuate rod 118 and hence valve 100 to close the press as the press isbrought to the closing station. Such electro-action for closing andopening the presses in succession is a feature of this invention.

Another feature which adds to the over-all safety of the system may beachieved through the instrumentalities now to be described, whichbecomes effective when switches 154 and 170 are opened. Upon,preferably, the control panel 46, there is mounted a lamp 160, served bylines L1 and L2, and from which a focused light beam is projectedgenerally radially inwardly in respect to the turntable 17, seeFigure 1. Along the trailing edge (in respect to turntable rotation) andtoward the rearward part of the panel 74 of each press, there is mounteda light handling element such as a reflecting prism or a mirror (ormirrors) 161 which serve to redirect the light beam along a selectedpath which returns to photocell 162 when the press and hence the elementor elements 161 are carried to a particular safe position behindprotective barrier 4046. The reflection of the light beam and its returnto photocell 162 of course is not possible until the elements 161 arebrought into a certain position which, in itself insures that the pressis also brought to a guarded position. This is a feature of theinvention. In addition, by judicious selection of the light path, thepossibility that even when properly aligned, such light path may bebroken by the operator inserting a body part into the beam, adds anadditional factor of safety. Here, the closure will occur due to lightbeam falling on the photocell provided the light beam is not interruptedas would occur if one attempted to reach in behind barrier 46 to thebuck 54. The light beam, in effect, forms a fence which is capable ofbeing interrupted should one attempt to reach toward the buck. Photocell162 feeds input terminals 163 of amplifier 164 which is powered by linesL1 and L2. The output at terminals 165 feeds coil 166 which, whenenergized, lifts relay contact 167 to close contacts 168, the latterbeing in parallel with switch 154 across junctions 153 and 155.

Coil 166 is energized only when the photoelectric cell 162 isilluminated, and light reflectors 161 are so arranged as to redirect thelight beam to cell 162 at the time cam 150 closes switch 151 (or theturntable has moved the press to a guarded position). Consequent uponthese simultaneous occurrences, coil 135 will be energized through acircuit from line L1, through contacts 167-168, switch 151, line 157,coil 135 to line L2, provided the light beam is not interrupted. If itis, coil 166 will not be energized and contacts 167-168 will open (orstay open). This is a safety feature.

For another mode of operation there is provided switch 170, which isconnected to shunt switch 151. When switch 170 is closed, switch 154must then be left open (so as not continuously to energize coil 135).But assuming switch 170 to be closed (and 154 open), it is as though nocam operated switch 151 were provided, and the energization of coil 135is then dependent solely upon photoelectric actuation. Hence as eachpress reaches the safe position so that its light redirecting surface161 moves into proper position, as shown in Figure l, the photoelectriccell 162 will be illuminated, coil 166 energized, relay contacts167--168 closed and coil 135 energized. But this will occur only if thelight .7 V beam is not interrupted by improper insertion of body partstoward the press. ture of the invention. i y, a M

It will be understood that the locations shown for the lightmanipulating instrumentalities 161 and the particular light path, aremerelysuggestive of'many locations of one ,or several light guardingpaths which may be used around the entrance to the buck-head area.

Referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated a modified form of pressopening control; 7 in Figure 3'the press opens at 'a prescribed location(of switch 151 and unit 140)." In Figure 14, the pressing cycle isterminated on a time basis, which may be varied. This is accomplished asfollows: To line'80of each press there is connected branch 172 whichleads to a pneumatic timer valve 173 having an adjustment 180; The timervalve may be of the nature more 'fully described in the U.S. Patent2,292,380 to Kerstenand therefore will not be described in detail. Timer'valvej173 isnormally closed so as normally to close flow from itsinletport 181 to its controlled outlet port182." The timing cycle alwaysresets to zero and begins when line 172 applies'pressure to inlet 181;Then, ,at a prescribed time interval later, as

This operational-mode is a fea- 1 determined by the setting of'adjustment dial 180, the

valve of 173 opens to'permit flow to outlet 182 and hence via line174through T 176 to a small pilot cylinder 178, the piston of which isconnected to lever 116 in place of rod 119., Piston 179, when actuated,throws lever 116 and valve 100 to'the'press opening position. To permitrecovery of line 174 and cylinder 178 to atmosphericcondition line 174is provided with a small (preferably adjustable) orifice'177 which is sosmall as to ,be of no consequence to the operation of cylinder 179during its short period of operation, but large enough to bleed offpressure from line 174 while the press passe from the opening to theclosing station,

Figure 5 illustrates a mechanical cam 19% which, is located'in' thepath'of travel of the lower end of rod 119,and so shaped as to' make therod ride'up thereby to move master valve 100 to the press openingposition atthe opening station. Cam 190 may be used in lieu of theelectromechanical elements 151-156 and 140.

The forms of-the invention shown and described must be considered onlyas illustrative. Many variations within the scope of the inventionillustrated, described and claimed will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the invention is therefore not to be limited except asstated in the appended claims. 7

What' I claim is: a 1; A rotary'pressing machine comprising a rotaryturntable having thereon a plurality of presses, each of which has abuck and a presser head, the latter being mounted on the press formovement toward and from a press open position in which the presser headis away from the'buck and a press close position in which the presserhead is against the buck, each press including motor means connected tothe presser'head for moving it and a control means for said motor means,said rotary turntable having a normal cycle of rotation wherein thepresser head is moved from a press open position to a press closeposition and thence back to a press open position, control actuatormeans'for contacting and moving said control means to a close positionat one location around turntable" and for contacting and moving saidcontrol means to a press open position at another location aroundsaidturntable, said control actuator means actuator means including amoveable mechanical device against which aportion of the control meansis engaged at said press open position for moving said control means'toa press open position; a

1 2. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary turn tablehavingthereon a plurality of presses each of which has a buck andapresser head, the latter being mounted means to a press close positionat one location around theturntable and for contacting and moving saidcontrol means to a press open position at another'location around saidturntable, saidcontrol actuator means stationarily mounted relative tothe movement of the turntable and normally out of contact with saidcontrol means during the normal cycle of rotation, means responsive tothe movement of each press to the prescribed location for actuating thecontrol actuator means, said means being connected to said controlactuator means.

1 3. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary turntable'havingthereon a plurality of presses, each of which has a buck and a presserhead, the latter being mounted on the press for movement toward and froma press open position in which the presser head is away from the buckand a press close position in which the presser head is against thebuck, each press including motor meansconnected to the presser head formoving it and a control means for said motor means, said rotaryturntable having a normal cycle of rotation wherein a presser head ismoved from a press open position'to a press closed position and thenceback to a press open position, control actuator means for engaging andmoving said control means to a press close position at one locationaround the turntable and for engaging and moving said control means topressopen position at another location around said turntable, saidcontrol actuator means stationarily mounted relative to the movement ofthe rotary turntable and normally out of contact with saidrcontrol meansduring a normal cycle. of rotation, said control actuator meansincluding a moveable member and a magnetic actuator for actuating saidmoveable member to contact the control means, and electric circuitryconnected to said magnetic actuator to operate said magnetic actuator.

4. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary turntable havingthereon a plurality of presses, each of which has a buck and a presserhead, the latter being mounted on the press for movement toward and fromthe press open position in which'the presser head is away from the buckand a press close position in which the presser head is against thebuck, each press including motor means connected to the presser head formoving it and a control means for said motor means, said rotaryturntable having a normal cycle of rotation wherein a presser head ismoved from a pressopen position to a press close position and thenceback to a press open position, electrical control actuator means forengaging and moving said control means to press close position at onelocation around the turntable and for engaging and moving said controlmeans to a press open position at another location around the turntable,said control actuator means stationarily mounted relative to themovement of the rotary turntable and normally out of contact with saidcontrol means during-a normal cycle of rotation, circuit closure meansresponsive to the movement of each press to a prescribed position foroperating said control actuator means, and electric circuitry connectingsaid closure means to said control actuator means.

5. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary turntable havingthereon a plurality of presses, each of which has a buck and a presserhead, the latter being mounted on the press for movement toward and froma press open position, in which the presser head is away from the buckand a press close position in which the presser head is against thebuck, each press including motor means connected to the presser head formoving it and a control means for said motor means, said control meanshaving a vertical member extending beneath the turntable, said rotaryturntable having a normal cycle of rotation wherein the presser head ismoved from a press open position to a press close position and thenceback to a press open position, control actuator means for contacting andmoving said control means to a press open position at another locationaround said turntable, said control actuator means stationarily mountedrelative to the movement of the turntable and normally out of contactwith said control means during a normal cycle of rotation, said controlactuator means including circumferentially spaced portions forcontacting said vertical member to operate the control means.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that said circuitclosure means is a mechanically operated switch.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that said circuitclosure means includes photo-controlled relay means.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that the circuitclosure means includes a serially connected mechanically operated switchand photo controlled relay means, both normally open.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said photocontrolled relay means includes a light source for providing a lightbeam and a photocell re sponsive thereto for closing a relay means whenthe light is illuminated.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said lightsource and photocell are mounted stationary in respect to the turntableand presses.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said lightsource is arranged to project a beam along a light path near the buckand presser head area of the press while at said closing station.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 further characterized in that said lightsource is arranged to project a beam along the buck and presser headarea and means is provided on each press for returning said light beamto the photocell.

13. A rotary pressing machine comprising a rotary turntable havingthereon a plurality of presses, each of which has a buck and a presserhead, the latter being mounted on the press for movement toward and froma press open position in which the presser head is away from the buckand a press closed position in which the presser head is against thebuck, each press including motor means connected to the presser head formoving it and a control means for said motor means, control meansactuator for moving said control means to press closed position when thepress is at the closing station, said control actuator means normallybeing out of contact with the said control means, a timer on each pressand actuator means connected thereto and to said control means formoving said control means to press open position at a prescribed timeinterval after the press has been closed.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that said timeris an air operated timer.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that said timerincludes means for adjustably varying the length of the time interval.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

